IAAF Centenary Welcome Dinner starts the celebrations

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The IAAF Centenary Welcome Dinner, the first main act of the weekend that celebrates the 100th birthday of the global governing body of athletics was held in the magnificent venue of Barcelona’s historical Museu Marítim (Maritime Museum) in the centre of the city on Friday night (23).

The capacity audience of 700 people, which included more than 150 star athletes of past and present, were welcomed by IAAF President Lamine Diack before settling down to a magnificent four-course banquet.

Among those in attendance were many of the 2012 Olympic champions and also nearly all of the living members of the IAAF Hall of Fame, whose 24 inaugural members were inducted this year.

One of the highlights for many guests was the unmissble opportunity to be in the presence of no less than four Olympic Games Long Jump gold medallists: Ralph Boston, Lynn Davies, Bob Beamon and Dwight Phillips, the winners in 1960, 1964, 1968 and 2004 respectively.

IAAF President Lamine Diack briefly drew the audience’s attention to some of the achievements of the federation.

“From 1912’s 17 founder members, we have steadily grown and now encompass the entire world, both developed and still developing. As of 2012, we boast 212 member countries.

“This has only been possible because we chose to follow a sturdy development policy that became open to us as a result of the key change that occurred after the doctrine of amateurism was abandoned.

“The development of women’s athletics is also a strong source of satisfaction and pride for us.

“It was only in the 1980s that money got into sport, and the principle of rewarding athletes financially became accepted,” reflected President Diack.

“The first World Cup, held in Düsseldorf in 1977, was an initial step, while the first IAAF World Championships, held in Helsinki in 1983, preceded the creation of a World Athletics Series, which made up a number of international competitions, including circuits of one-day meetings which have had huge commercial appeal.

“However, we remain a sport for all. Our Kids’ Athletics programmes are now incorporated into school curricula of many countries around the world.

“Initially produced in the IAAF’s official languages only, they were soon available in six languages, and now in forty languages.

“The enormous popularity of road races offers everyone the opportunity to take part, not only in order to achieve top performances, but also simply to enjoy running, to champion a cause and bring it to the attention of as many people as possible, or just to try to overcome one’s personal limits.

“Of course, the modern world is completely different from that of 1912, but there are areas in which the IAAF has proved extraordinarily consistent, especially those involving principles and the need to abide by rules.

“For proof, I need only cite the fight against doping. The IAAF has not only been a pioneering figure over the course of this worldwide fight, but has also put significant financial and human resources into place to enable it to implement an exemplary awareness and sanction policy,” added President Diack.